When Star Wars: A New Hope played on TV for the first time in 1984, it was a big deal — so much so that a tuxedo-wearing Mark Hamill introduced the film along with a short video showing the frenzy the film had incited.
From the huge amount of toys and other merchandise to lines that wrapped around theaters all over the country, it was clear then, only seven years after the initial film had been released, that the Star Wars craze was massive.
“You are about to become part of the phenomena of Star Wars,” a dapper Hamill said in an unearthed clip. “In a few minutes, you’ll see a movie that has become more than just a movie. For seven years now, it has been a part of my life, and the saga it’s given birth to has touched the lives of millions of others.”
He added, “When it came out, the world went instantly Star Wars crazy.”
Following the movie, Hamill also had a farewell remark for the audience.
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